The Maldives has become the only country in the World Health Organization’s South-East Asia region to meet the United Nations target for reducing premature deaths from non-communicable diseases, achieving the milestone four years ahead of the 2030 deadline, according to the WHO. Non-communicable diseases such as cardiovascular conditions, chronic respiratory diseases, cancers, and diabetes account for roughly three-quarters of all deaths globally, with millions dying before the age of 70.
Digital Primary Health Care Model Drives Success in Faafu Atoll
A digital-focused primary health care model played a central role in the achievement, according to the WHO. The initiative was first piloted on Faafu Atoll, a tiny island chain featuring 23 islands and islets, of which only five are inhabited. Shuaib Ismail, community health coordinator at Faafu Atoll Hospital under the Maldives Ministry of Health, Family and Welfare, told SciDev.Net that the program centers on prevention. “We can screen the registered population and detect NCDs early and provide treatment before the disease progresses to comorbidities and mortality stage,” Ismail said.
The pilot scheme utilized an existing Integrated Health Information System originally established for vaccination and reproductive health tracking. Abdul Malik, co-founder and president of the Maldives NCD Alliance, explained to SciDev.Net that the digitalized platform registers adults, screens them for risk factors, coordinates follow-ups, and manages digital referrals. The program achieved over 93 percent registration across the population. Malik noted that the rollout succeeded largely because the Maldives maintains nearly 100 percent 5G internet connectivity across its inhabited islands.
Community Engagement and Lifestyle Changes on the Ground
Local institutions and civil society involvement proved critical to promoting healthy daily habits. Abdulla Ahmed, principal of Faafu Atoll Education Centre on the capital island of Nilandhoo, told SciDev.Net that the program measurably altered awareness among students, staff, and parents. Following screenings, several staff members discovered they sat on the borderline for hypertension, cholesterol, or diabetes. These individuals responded by increasing exercise and adjusting their diets for weight management. Others stopped consuming areca nuts—commonly known as betel nuts—after cancer screenings highlighted the risks associated with the habit, which WHO scientists confirm causes cancer in humans.
Students at the school incorporate health education into hands-on agricultural projects, growing insulin plants, coconut palms, and breadfruit alongside hydroponic herb setups, according to Ahmed. Building on the Faafu pilot, the government is expanding the model to other atolls through investments in workforce capacity and health infrastructure, backed by broader regional efforts like the Dili Declaration adopted by South-East Asian health ministers to bolster family medicine in remote areas.
Global Challenges and Economic Perspectives in Small Island States
While the Maldives reached Sustainable Development Goal target 3.4 early, public health experts emphasize that continuous vigilance remains necessary. Non-communicable diseases still represent roughly 84 percent of all deaths in the country, a figure expected to rise as the population ages, according to Malik. By contrast, progress remains limited across other Small Island States. According to available WHO data from eight Pacific Island countries, Papua New Guinea saw its probability of premature NCD death drop from 30.9 percent in 2015 to 28.5 percent in 2021, while Fiji declined from 39.7 percent to 37.9 percent, and Vanuatu moved from 37.6 percent to 36.8 percent.
Rohina Joshi, who leads the global health research team at the University of New South Wales School of Population Health, told SciDev.Net that digital health tools can successfully bridge geographical barriers if supported by adequate staff, reliable power, transport, and essential medical supplies. Globally, a Lancet paper estimates that achieving the 2030 NCD targets requires $140 billion in new spending between 2023 and 2030, an investment projected to avert 39 million deaths and yield $2.7 trillion in net economic benefits.
Did You Know?
According to the WHO, more than 80 percent of premature deaths from non-communicable diseases occur in low- and middle-income countries.
Frequently Asked Questions
What target did the Maldives achieve early?
The Maldives met the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal target to reduce premature deaths from four major non-communicable diseases by one-third among people aged 30 to 70 by 2030, reaching the goal four years ahead of schedule, according to the WHO.
How did Faafu Atoll implement the health program?
The atoll utilized an existing digital health information system via near-total 5G internet connectivity to register over 93 percent of the adult population, conduct risk screenings, manage patient referrals, and track medical records across islands.
Are non-communicable diseases still a major health concern in the Maldives?
Yes. Despite meeting the premature mortality reduction goal, non-communicable diseases account for approximately 84 percent of all deaths in the Maldives, with health officials warning that an aging population will require sustained preventive measures.
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